Manuel Constancia, 84, of Brownwood, passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Manuel was born in Jimenez Coahuila, Mexico on Sept. 9, 1932 to Julio Constancia and Gabriella Arreola. Manuel started working as a young man and worked as a Mail Man in Mexico for several years. The family then started seasonal work in the states and went to Idaho and several other States for work to make a better life for their family. In 1955, Manuel married the love of his life, Emma Constancia, who preceded him in death. In 1969, Manuel moved his family to Comanche and there he would work for Gores Dairy Farm and Durham Pecans for many years. In 2002, Manuel and his wife Emma moved to Brownwood and would remain until his death. Manuel loved Collecting and reselling scrap metal and copper, he loved baseball and loved watching the Rangers, but most of all he loved God; he loved going to church. Manuel was a man of a few words, smiling all the time, and when leaving a family gathering he would always tell his children, “Always love each other and look after each other,” with a big smile.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 56 years of marriage, Emma Constancia; and sister, Olivia Compos.

Left to cherish his memories are sons, Victor Constancia and Gina Baldez of Brownwood, Mario Constancia and wife Margarita of Comanche, Joe Constancia and wife Maria of Early and Miguel Constancia and wife Beatriz of Comanche; daughters, Tere Tovar and husband Mauro of Early and Rosa Cardoso and husband Antonio of Moran; three sisters, Elida C. Bermea of Piedras Negra, Leticia Constancia Piedras Negra and Alicia Cervera of Nueva Laredo, Mexico; brothers, Jose Constancia of San Antonio and Julio H. Constancia of Piedra Negras; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-granchildren; and one great-great-granchild.